This Isn’t Political

It’s amazing the different reactions I’ve received regarding my decision to work with the Freedom Foundation. If I tell people that I work for a nonprofit in Olympia, I hear things like “That’s great! Good for you!”

When I tell people exactly where I work, however, the responses run the gamut from choked sounds of disapproval to things I won’t repeat here.

Once in a while, someone will say, “I’m so proud of you!” (Thanks, Dad).

I’ve heard the Freedom Foundation described as a “conservative” or “right-wing” organization, but I truly don’t think standing up for individual freedoms should be considered an issue of political preference. Do you support the Bill of Rights? Do you think our Constitution should be upheld?

If you said yes, then we’re on the same page.

For example, if a public employee belongs to a union that supports a cause that conflicts with that employee’s religious beliefs, shouldn’t there be some safeguard in place so that employee isn’t forced to contribute to a cause he or she doesn’t believe in?

Upholding an individual’s rights under the First Amendment, for example, means doing so even if I don’t necessarily agree with them. I don’t choose to assist only those who agree with me. To do so would be hypocritical.

One of the things that makes our system so great is that it’s designed to protect the rights of individuals.

They say everyone hates lawyers until they need one. Much the same, it’s easy to hate what we do until it’s your rights being trampled on.